Rail connecter



J. NAGY RAL CONNECTER Sept'. 24, 1929.

Filed DSG. l5, 1928 Patented Sept. 24, 1929 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE JOHN NAGY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

RAIL CONNECTER This invention relates to a rail connecter for overhead track systems, and its object is to provide an apparatus of this character by which a section of the said rail may be thrown out and a space left open sufficient to afford clearance for closing, or opening the doors of a refrigerator or like compartment into which the said track leads.

A further object is a simple and etlicient form of construction which may be operated easily with one hand and in which the connecting rail element is always under full control and when open, is held securely in position parallel to and above the main rail.

These and other objects and features of the device will be fully described in the following specification and claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a side View of the apparatus together with portions of the main rail and the extension rail to which it is to be connected.

Fig. 2 shows a top plan view of the operating elements.

Fig. 3 shows on an enlarged scale, a front end section on the line 3 3 of Figure 1.

Fig. 4 shows on a reduced scale, a fragmentary view of the front of a refrigerator, the doors being open and in section. on the line nfl-4 of Figure 5. The track and carrier are shown installed therein.

Fig. 5 shows a side view of the connecter apparatus and track in closed position, the refrigerator heilig in section on the line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Fi 6 shows enlarged a fragmentary view of a modified form of the forward rail joint having guiding and interlocking means thereon.

Fig. 7 shows in the same scale the forward end of the connecter element in a form adapted to v[it the oint shown in Figure 6.

Fig. 8 shows a cross section on the line 8 8 of Figure 6.

The form of rail connecter which this invention is intended to supersede; comprises ordinarily, a short section of track hinged to the main track element and which, when not in closed position, hangs loosely downward i0 where it is a constant menace to persons passd ing under it who, if slightly careless are apt to be struck on the head with it.

In the apparatus herewith shown and described,tl1e connecting rail when not in use, rests along the top of the main rail being at all times securely held in position. It is thrown into and out of its closed connection by means of an easily grasped handle which normally hangs close to the rail.

In Figure 1 of the drawings is shown a side view of the apparatus which comprises the main rail 10, this being supported by hangers similar to that shown at 11. The connecter rail 12 is formed at its forwardend to engage and it onto the end of the extension rail 413 which is supported in the same manner as previously described. A guide element 26 receives the tip of the connecter element. The rear end of the connecter rail 12 is beveled as at 14 to fit the main rail at 15. At the forward end of the main rail an angle piece 16 serves as a guide and support for the adjacent joint. Pivotally secured to the connecter rail and the main rail is the V link plate 17, and to this is secured the lever 18 which has a handle grip 19 linked to its lower extremity. At a point back of the V element, two side links 2O and 21 are pivotally attached on opposite sides of the main rail and the connecter rail as shown.

On reference to Figure 2 it will be seen that the V element is offset from the main rail and the connecter rail by means of the sleeves 22 and 23 which encase the cap screws 24 and 25. This gives clearance for the passage of the carrier which will be described later. The hanger bars 11 are also oifset for this reason. Figure 3 shows the details clearly.

The operation of the device will be best understood by reference to Figures 4 and 5 in which are shown portions of a refrigerator 30. This is shown with the doors 31 open. In Figure 5 the track is shown connected and running into the interior yof the refrigerator where a carrier 34 is suspended with the grooved wheels 32 engaging the said track. A shelved box case 33 is hung from the said carrier. With the rails thus connected the carrier may be run out from the refrigerator and along the main track at will.

In operation the apparatus may be opened from its position in Figure 5 by a pull on the handle 19 which will throw the connecter rail into the position seen in Figure 1, and thence backward until it rests fiat on the main rail 10.

The form of the joint slrwn in Figures G, 7 and 8 provides a toothed end portion as seen at 37, this tooth engages the recess 38 of the extension rail 13 when it is thrown in its descendingil are int-o closed position. rEhe side `guards 39 of the element 26 are secured to the rail 13 and serve as additional support at this point.

Vhile I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modi- [ications comingl within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having` thus described my invention, what l claim as new and eesire to secure by Letters Patent, is as follows:

1. In combination with an overhead carrier rail system, a connecter element formed at its ends to register with and to rest upon the ends of main rail elements at the opposite extremities of a gap therein, side link men'ibors pivotally secured to the said connecter element and yto the main rail, a link plate also pivotally secured to the said connecter element and the said main rail, and means to move the connecter element on the said link members into operative position.

2. In combination with an overhead rail system, a connecter element mounted parallel to the main rail of the said system, a `gap between the said main rail and an extension rail in line therewith, and means to throw the said connecter element into position in registration with the ends of the said main rail and the said extension rail.

3. 1n combination with an overhead rail system, a` connecter element mounted parallel to the main rail of the said system, a gap between the said main rail and an extension rail in line therewith, side links pivotally Connected to and supporting the said connecter element on the said main rail, la link plate pivotally attached to the said connecter element and the main rail, a lever on the said link plate and means to actuate the said lever to throw the connecter plate int-o the gap between the main rail and the extension thereto.

4. A rail connecter apparatus of the class described, comprising a parallel mounted connecter element positioned above a main line rail, ends on the said connecter element formed to register with the ends of the line rails at opposite extremities of a gap therein, side links and a side plate pivotally mounted in parallel on the said main line rail and snpportino' the said connecter element, a guide support adjacent to the Ysaid side plate, a renature.

JOHN NAGY.

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